Efficacy and Satisfaction of Low Doses UVA1 Phototherapy: A Spanish Experience from a Single Centre

Abstract

Background: UVA1 phototherapy is a treatment used for multiple dermatological conditions. The optimal therapeutic regimens and dosing of UVA1 are a matter of debate. The dosages used vary widely between published studies and there are no evidence-based protocols that provide data on dosage, duration, or the role of maintenance therapy. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the experience in our medical center regarding treatment with UVA1, as well as the degree of patient satisfaction with the treatment according to their pathology. Methods: We present a retrospective evaluation of outcomes, treatment tolerability, and satisfaction in adult patients using a low dose of UVA1 phototherapy, administered in our dermatologic service between 2019 and 2022. Results: A total of 78 patients were treated with UVA1, of whom 46 patients (59%) were over 18 years old, completed treatment, and gave their consent. The overall objective clinical response rate was 91.30% (42/46), achieving a complete response in 17 (36.96%) patients, partial response in 25 (54.34%), and no response in 4 (8.70%). The complete response rates recorded were high in morphea, scleredema, or chronic hand eczema. In terms of the level of satisfaction objectively measured by TSQM-9 version 1.4, highlighting high scores obtained in mastocytosis, systemic sclerosis, morphea, scleredema, chronic hand eczema, or prurigo nodularis (over 65 points). Conclusions: We present a review of treatment with UVA1 phototherapy at low doses with good response in a wide variety of dermatological pathologies.